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THAT BRIDGE AGAIN
The bridge was built late in 1884 and was one of the many such over
bridges on the 19 mile Barnwell Junction, Cambridge Mildenhall branch line
of the of the Great Eastern Railway. The line was constructed with high
hopes of providing a feeder route for the prolific agricultural produce of
the area and help to develop Mildenhall.
The track was started from the terminus at Mildenhall in June 1884 and
reached the Cambridge Norwich line by 1885.
Most services ceased as recently as July 1964, although the section from
Fordham Junction survived until April 1965 in order to serve Tillotson’s
Factory.
Reach villagers using the line had three options for catching their
trains, Burwell or Swaffham Prior, but for east bound travelers Exning
Road Halt could be reached by a quick spurt up Issacson Road if the train
was already standing at Burwell Platform. The little gate and steps on the
East side are still to be seen,
The line was a single track throughout and steam engines for passengers
services ended during July 1958 when diesel rail buses were introduced as
an economy measure. Traces of soot still line the apparent sound under
side of the Bridge. (Edward C. W. Hoggins)
MAY 1977
May 1st., apparently, was a traditional holiday for the Cambridgeshire
chimney sweeps. Some readers may remember May Dolling, highly decorated,
be garlanded dolls, were carried through the streets by young girls early
in the morning, the purpose, was to show them in exchange for sweets or
money,
Fairs were held in many centres, including of course our Reach Fair,
during Rogation Week this was the time for prayer for the crops, Reach
Fair dates back from, or perhaps long before, the granting of a charter to
the burgesses of Cambridge by King John in 1200
Reach residents honored the occasion with annual hair cuts and new
outfits, this was Easter Bonnet time for the village, most housewives
tried to have a home cured ham in readiness for visitors and also served a
Christmas pudding, and a iced cake, perhaps with Reach Fair piped on top.
Friends of the School, this term our activities are mainly concerned with
celebrations for the Silver Jubilee . In order to provide the children
with a lasting memento have arranged to buy Crowns to give each child
attending School, these will be presented on Friday, at 1 45 pm in the
School the Easter Dance is on Saturday 16th of April, and we hope many
people will come, dance to Backwater Band, Tickets are One Pound including
refreshments, also a raffle and tombola.
We hope you will have a very enjoyable evening.
More next time
BILL ESTALL 2002 |
